Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Buchanan, Michigan
The Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has offered therapeutic riding and other horse-related activities in Southwest Michigan since 2006, according to its website. Since 2021 it has operated from the Jane M. Hiler Facility in Buchanan. TEC serves people with physical, cognitive, neurological and emotional disabilities, plus veterans, active military members and their families.
- Therapeutic riding lessons (group, semi-private and private)
- Mane Event monthly sessions
- Groundwork and grooming
- TEC WITH VETS equine-assisted learning and riding
- School and community-based programs
- Summer camps (Camp TEC)
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
- Volunteer roles (age 14 and up)
- Children and adults age 4 and up with disabilities
- People with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, TBI or PTS
- Veterans, active military members and their families
- Local schools and agencies
More about this center
About the Program
TEC's history page says volunteers formed the center in 2006, the first in the Berrien, Cass and Van Buren tri-county area to offer year-round, horse-related activities such as therapeutic riding. TEC has been a PATH Intl. member center since 2006, and its website says all instructors are PATH-certified. It also works with Berrien RESA, Blossomland Learning Center and Lighthouse Education Center.
TEC WITH VETS combines equine-assisted learning and therapeutic riding for veterans, active military members and their families, with one-on-one instruction. The website says a grant lets TEC offer it free of charge.
The Jane M. Hiler Facility
TEC relocated in 2021 to the former Cadence Equestrian Center in Buchanan, bought with a donation from the family of Jane M. Hiler. According to TEC, the property has more than 14 acres, a barn, an indoor arena, an outdoor arena and several pastures.
Location
Lessons take place at the Jane M. Hiler Facility, 1207 E. Galien-Buchanan Road, Buchanan, MI 49107. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1250, Niles, MI 49120.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do we sign up?
TEC asks new riders to read and complete the Participant Program Packet on its Forms & Tuition Assistance page. Veterans complete a separate TEC WITH VETS application.
What ages does TEC serve?
TEC says its programs are for participants 4 years of age and up, with no upper age limit listed.
How much do lessons cost?
The website lists current fees for each lesson type. Tuition assistance (TAP) may be available for qualified riders, and the website says a grant lets TEC offer TEC WITH VETS free; see our guide to equine therapy costs.
Who do I contact?
Call (269) 429-0671 or email info@tecfarm.org. The riding page lists rider coordinator Lisa Mearing at (269) 806-6892.
Location
Buchanan, Michigan 49107
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.